Wow! This book was awesome! Such a sweet, if heartbreaking at times, story! It was very eye-opening about PTSD, and Sharon Hinck handled it in a very touching and sensitive way. The Christian themes portrayed throughout were spot-on, and very encouraging, even to someone who has never experienced what Penny Sullivan was going through. The characters were AMAZING! Bryan was ADORABLE, and Hinck did a great job portraying a 7 year old boy. Having a little brother close in age to Bryan, he felt very realistic. I also loved Alex. His compassion was touching and inspiring. Just such an amazing book! But beware, have your tissue box handy! I can't tell you how many times I tried to hold back the tears. (Note the key-word, "tried".)

CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for mature readers (14 ) for violence. ( )

While I applaud any Christian author's attempt to tackle mental illness and its treatment, I think we can do better. ( )

Most of us will never experience post-traumatic stress syndrome, for which I am profoundly grateful. If you've ever wondered just how that might feel, "Stepping into Sunlight" creates a space in which you can safely experience it in your imagination.

Many of us do struggle with depression. Some have clinical depression that can envelop a person for years. When the PTSD and depression collide in one life, it requires many prayers and desperate measures for Penny Sullivan to climb out of the pit.

This well written book pulls no punches when exploring the pain that can change our feelings of safety and well-being over night. It also gently offers hope and possibilities for recovery. This book is not for the faint of heart. It is worth finding the bravery to read. ( )

NCLA Review -Penny Sullivan finds herself facing the challenges of a cross-country move and caring for a young son while her husband is deployed at sea as a Navy Chaplain. After she witnesses a violent crime and her life is threatened, she sinks into depression and despair. Having grown up with a brother who had mental illness, she feared she was becoming ill as well. This book gives a rare glimpse into the world of the clinically depressed and mentally ill and helps one to understand more fully what they are going through. Ultimately Penny receives help through her long lost brother and an unlikely support group. Rating: 3 —DM Hinck, Sharon. Bethany House 2008, 317p, paper, 9780764202834, $13.99 [FIC] ( )

Kept my interest as to what had happened in her life that was so shocking to her. Then to find out that her long lost brother had been diagnosed with depression also and hadn't been home for like 10 years. All ends well though after her husband arrives back home after being deployed for months in the service and her brother comes to visit her.